Thomas Emory Rice

Services for Thomas Emory Rice of Thomasville are at 2:00PM on Sunday, July 10, 2005 at the First Presbyterian Church. Interment will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery and the Rev. Keith Hill, the Rev. Daniel Smoak and the Rev. Stephen Murray will officiate. Mr. Rice died July 7, 2005 at Archbold Memorial Hospital. Born March 15, 1926 in Thomasville, he was the son of the late Warren A. and Sallie Alexander Rice. He was married for 52 years to Nell Ray Chastain Rice who survives. He attended Thomasville High School through the 11th grade and then enlisted the United States Navy during W.W. II. He served in the Pacific campaign on the U.S.S. Hancock aircraft carrier. On completion of his service in 1946 he returned to Thomasville and graduated from high school in Norman Park. Mr. Rice graduated from Gupton Jones School of Mortuary Science in Nashville, TN and then worked for Whiddon Funeral Home in Thomasville. Thereafter he worked at Greenwood Seed Company for 18 years. In 1985, he purchased Toscoga Feed and Seed Co., which he operated until his retirement in 1998. He was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as both deacon and elder. Other survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Thomas E., Jr. and Nan Rice; daughter and son-in-law, Nelray and George R. Lilly, II; five grandchildren, Thomas E. Rice, III, Sarah N. Rice, Frances R. Lilly, Laura N. Lilly and George R. Lilly, III. The family will receive friends from 7-9PM on Friday at the funeral home. Visitors may sign the online guest register at www.allenfh.com .
ALLEN & ALLEN FUNERAL HOME